Portraits of the Southern France

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
41 reviews  
90%
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River Cruise
This tour is discontinued instead see:   Highlights of France France & Spain Grand France     Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colorful fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruin...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers
    • Explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colorful fields of Provence.

What's this trip about?

    This tour is discontinued instead see:   Highlights of France France & Spain Grand France     Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colorful fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles, walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh, and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon. C’est magnifique!

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range50 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityChalon-sur-saone, France
End CityAvignon, France

Travel Themes

  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • France

Attractions

  • Avignon
  • Vienne

Activities

  • Historic sightseeing
  • River cruise
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom
    • 6 guided tours with audio headset
    • All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
    • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
    • Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    • Culture Curriculum: Sample a variety of French cheeses; find out how to make your own fondant au chocolat; try some Burgundian wines; enjoy lively French accordion tunes; attend lectures on current affairs & the painters of Provence; see how silk printing is done today; visit a local market
    • All port charges
    • Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Chalon-sur-Saône, France
Meals : D Accommodation : Beaune, France Fly to Lyon. Transfer from the airport to your ship docked in Chalon-sur-Saône.* After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented.

Day 2: Beaune, France & Burgundy Wine Tour
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Lyon, France After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 144...
Day 3: Lyon, France
Meals :B, L, D Accommodation : UNESCO Lyon Basilica Notre Dame, France After an early morning cruise through the picturesque countryside, you'll arrive in Lyon during breakfast, then take a morning tour of this city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to t...
Day 4: Lyon & Vienne, France
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Tournon, France The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. V...
Day 5: Tournon & Viviers, France
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : Arles Arena, France Awaken in Tournon. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region’s wine-making traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musée de Tain l’Hermitage located in the oldest house in the...
Day 6: Arles, France
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : UNESCO Avignon City, France Arrive during breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also t...
Day 7: Avignon, France
Meals : B, L, D Accommodation : UNESCO Avignon Palace Papes, France This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avig...
Day 8: Avignon, France
Meals : B After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Marseille airport for your return flight.*

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,956
Price per day$245
Last Updated: 8/19/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Viking River Cruises

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Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

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What they’re known for
Classy European and Asian river cruises with premium offerings like personal excursions and private access to attractions.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
50 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
viking-PorSouVik

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